Lighting

Unfortunately, seeds and cuttings as well as more mature plants are
light-dependent, requiring healthy doses of sunlight or well-balanced artificial light. The sunroom or greenhouse may provide for such needs, in
colder climates, and be all that is required for a successful start. Glass
and plastic transmit all the light necessary for photosynthesis.

Please note that some seeds require dark, not light, in order to germinate.
This is noted for the individual plants, if applicable. Intense, scorching
sun can also harm seed and seedlings, though protection, i.e. dappled
shade, is more easily provided outdoors than trying to rig a proper indoor
lighting setup.

During winter, lighting needs of many species decrease. Plants, including cacti and succulents, may often be kept in cool and somewhat darker
rooms. Water sparingly in cool, low-light situations.

The spring windowsill, in northern climates, often provides limited hours
of low-intensity lighting. Young seedlings crane their heads toward light,
quickly becoming straggly. Cacti and succulents, especially those with
spines, hairs, or waxy coating, as well as numerous other species, have
high light requirements. Here, artificial light can be a definite boon.